A/N: Alright, my darlings, this will be the last chapter. All ends will be tied up, all questions will be answered, and all you have to do is read. There will be some cheesy parts so you might want some crackers to go with said cheese and depending on how soft your heart is; you might want some tissues and chocolate. Thank you so much for reading this and giving me such positive reviews. My confidence is low on my writing and you guys have helped boost it and I can't thank you enough for it. I love you guys 3

Disclaimer: I do not own Batman. That would be a form of slavery and that's not very nice, dear children. I do, however, own Annie and all the other OCs (this is not slavery because they are not real).

Chapter 18: Smile

Annie sat on the couch with Katie while they watched Sleepless in Seattle and feasted on junk food. They were near the end where Meg Ryan and Tom Hanks are officially meeting each other for the first time. Katie hurriedly took a tissue to wipe her eyes and used her other hand to grab Annie's. The credits began rolling up the screen and Katie and Annie let go of each other to straighten things up in the house. Katie decorated her house in the style of Victorian England. The hallways had hardboard floors while the rooms (except the kitchen) had plush carpet that made your feet feel good after a long day at work. Each room had a color theme. The living room was purples and pinks while Annie's room was in shades of blues and Katie's was in different reds. In her spare time, Katie sewed costumes for the local community theater and so manikins in partly finished costumes, fabrics, and baskets containing threads and needles were all over the place—though Katie did her best to move some of them to make the house seem neater.

"Annie?" Katie asked.

"Yeah?"

"Do you miss Bruce?"

Annie paused in her actions before straightening her back and pacing to and fro behind the couch. "Of course I miss him. I'm pretty certain that Bruce Wayne is the best thing that has ever happened to me."

"Then why don't you take him back?"

"It's complicated. Some things came up that…that just makes it hard to keep up a relationship with Bruce."

Katie glared at her, "Bullshit. You're scared and you're hiding behind excuses."

"Even if I'm scared, it doesn't change that the fact that things have gotten complicated," said Annie." She sighed and jumped over the back of the couch to sit on it.

"Do you love him?"

"What?" Annie asked, shocked.

"Do you love him?" Katie repeated.

"I…well…I don't know," said Annie. She stared at her hands. "I mean, he's a good guy. He's kind and loyal and smart and protective…and a really good kisser. He makes me feel special. I feel safe around him and I haven't had that with a man before."

Katie sat down next to her on the couch and said gently, "It sounds like you do have your answer."

"I can't be in love with him! I've only known him for a few months!" Annie exclaimed.

"I only knew my husband for a couple of weeks before I agreed to marry him," said Katie.

"Only a couple of weeks?"

"I was young and idealistic. I met him when a guy tried to mug me and Benny saved me. I took him to get a drink to thank him and…we just kept running into each other over and over. I'm not one to ignore signs. It was just right with him," said Katie. Her eyes sparkled and her face was the picture of serenity with a small, loving smile.

"That's really sweet," said Annie.

"That was him," said Katie. "So…are you going to call Bruce?"

Annie nodded, "I'll call him tomorrow. I have Friday off and I have a feeling that we'll need a long time to talk."

"Whatever makes this easier for you."

"Yeah," said Annie. "Well, I should probably go to bed. Tomorrow is going to be a long day."

"Alright. Good night, Annie," said Katie.

"Good night, Katie."

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Sitting at the kitchen table, Bruce read the newspaper as Alfred cooked breakfast. It was quiet between the two men and so Bruce put down his paper and looked at Alfred. "Alfred?"

"Yes, Master Wayne?"

Bruce looked slightly uncomfortable. He wasn't really into the whole touchy-feely moments if they were forced. "Are…uh…how are you? Since the whole…Lorraine…situation?"

"I'm getting better, Master Wayne. It's only a broken heart," said Alfred. The older man smiled and went back to his work.

"Well, I'm here if you every want to talk. You've always been there for me and I—"

"Master Wayne," Alfred interrupted. "I know. However, it is the truth that I am getting better. What Lorraine did was deplorable, but I am learning to let it go. Lorraine and I weren't really going to have a serious relationship. We flirted and that was all. The truth is: I can't expect to have a real relationship because that would put risk to you and Batman. You mean a hell of a lot more to me than some woman."

"Alfred…I don't want you to think you can't be happy. I could be Batman on my own. You can go and have your own life and I'll pay for everything," said Bruce.

Alfred glared at Bruce, "Never offer to do that again, Master Wayne. You're my charge and I'm staying with you—I don't care how old you are. If you really want me to get better; you'd go get Annie back. I miss the girl. She's sweet and funny and I want her back in this mansion immediately. So go woo her and bring her home."

Bruce smiled, "I already have a plan for that, Alfred." He stood up and put on his jacket while a confused Alfred look at him.

"You're going to get her back. How? Why didn't you tell me about this plan?" Alfred asked, slightly offended about being left in the dark.

"I took Annie's advice. I watched a romantic movie and I'm going to surprised her. I have no actual plan," said Bruce.

"And you find this wise?"

"Not at all, but I'll do what it takes to get her back."

"Good luck, Master Wayne," said Alfred.

"Thanks, Alfred," said Bruce. He left the mansion to go see Annie.

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Rolling her shoulders back, Annie leaned against her chair after she finished drawing the sketches for the new deal with Earle Company. She exhaled a sigh and looked around her office. It was small, but cozy with a wooden floor and deep green walls. There were even pictures of flowers on the walls which made the office feel more like a room at home. The surface of her desk was clear and equipped with a computer and a cup filled with pens and pencils with a couple of chairs that were in front of it. She also had an easel that faced the windows for inspiration. Annie went to her desk and looked at her cell phone. Picking it up, she sighed and put it back down. "At least make it until the day is over!"

A knock on the office door shocked Annie from her thoughts as Katie's brother came into her office, "Hey, Annie, Bruce Wayne is here to see you…and he brought carnations."

"What?" Annie exited her office to see Bruce standing there, looking slightly uncomfortable as women from the office stared at him in lust. "Bruce!"

Bruce's face broke into a smile when he saw her, "Hi."

"Hi," said Annie. She looked around at everyone staring at them. "Would you like to step into my office for some privacy?"

"Yeah," said Bruce. They walked to Annie's office and she shut the door and closed the blinds. Bruce handed her the flowers, "These are for you."

"Thank you. How did you know carnations were my favorite?"

"When we were walking back from Mama McClain's Café we passed a flower shop and you told me they were your favorite," said Bruce.

"I can't believe you remember that."

"I remember everything when it comes to you."

Annie stared at him for a moment before putting the flowers down on her desk. "Bruce…I don't really know what to say."

"How about 'I'll take you back and we can live happily ever after?'" Bruce suggested.

"Bruce, this is serious. What if your…hobby gets you hurt or worse one of these days? I don't know if I can go through that. I don't want to watch the man I love get beaten to a pulp every night," Annie said. Her eyes went wide and she clamped her hand over her mouth.

Bruce just looked surprised, "What did you say?"

"I said I don't want to watch you get beaten to a pulp every night."

"No you didn't. You said the man you love."

"Well, eh, I, fine! I'll admit it. I love you. Okay? I love you," said Annie. She crossed her arms in front of her and looked anywhere except Bruce.

Bruce, however, could only stand there stunned. He finally gained control of himself and went to Annie. He uncrossed her arms and put his hand under her chin to make her look at him. "Annette Hallowell, I love you too."

"What?"

"I love you. You're sweet and strong and possibly the best thing to ever happen to me. I can't imagine life without you and I don't want to. I would be honored if you would even consider being my wife." Bruce let her go and got down on one knee, taking out a velvet box. "I don't know what will happen, but I do know that I'll do everything in my power to keep you happy. I will love you and cherish you and will watch a romantic movie with you every once in awhile. Will you marry me?"

"I…"

"If it helps you decide, Alfred really wants you back. I think he likes you more than me."

Annie laughed, "Well, if it's for Alfred…I guess I could marry you."

"So that's a yes?"

"A million and one times," said Annie, wiping away a few tears.

Bruce put the ring on her finger, stood, and picked Annie up to spin her around. They pulled away as they heard clapping. Someone had opened Annie's door and watched the proposal. Annie blushed and buried her face in Bruce's chest as he laughed. He kissed the top of her head.

"Okay, okay," Katie's brother yelled over everyone. "Let the couple celebrate." The crowd dispersed.

Annie looked at the ring. It was a silver band with a flower made of little diamonds with one emerald on either side of it. "Bruce, this is beautiful," she said.

"It belonged to Alfred's mother. He gave it to me a week after I met you," said Bruce. His voice choked up a bit at the mention of the man who practically raised him.

Annie's eyes filled with more tears, "Oh, Alfred! He really wants you to be happy."

Bruce tightened his arms around Annie and whispered in her ear, "He really wants us to be happy."

"Bruce, there's something I want before we get married."

"Name it."

Annie stared into his eyes and bit her lip, "Will you meet my mom?"

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Belle played Solitaire at the table by herself while waiting for Annie. Annie came every Saturday and she would not disappoint. One of the nurses came to Belle, "Hey Miss Belle, your daughter is here and she brought someone with her."

"Where's my Annie?" Belle looked to the door where Annie and some man had come through. Belle recognized him from the newspapers. It was Bruce Wayne with her Annie.

They came up to her and Annie kissed her cheek, "Hi, mom."

"Hi," said Belle. She looked at Bruce. "So…what is Mr. Wayne doing here?"

"Mom, do you remember me telling you that I was dating Bruce?"

Belle saw a sparkle on Annie's left hand, "Are you engaged?" Belle grabbed Annie's hand. "Darling, the ring is beautiful."

"Bruce proposed and I said yes. I wanted him to meet you," said Annie.

"It's nice to meet you Miss Hallowell. I want you to know that I care for your daughter very much and will be the best man I can be for her," said Bruce.

"You better be or I'll hunt you down like a dog," said Belle. She looked over the man who wanted to marry her daughter. "You two are certainly an attractive couple."

Bruce smiled, "Thank you. Miss Hallowell, I know I didn't ask your permission to marry Annie, but I was hoping that we could have your blessing."

"Annette," said Belle. She looked at her daughter square in the eye. "Are you happy?"

"More than I've ever been," said Annie.

Belle turned back to Bruce, "As long as you keep her happy; you will always have my blessing." The trio visited for hours—Annie and Belle mostly talking about plans for the wedding. All the mother could think about was how she had never her daughter smile so much in one day.

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Seven Months Later

Annie nervously looked in the mirror, not believing how beautiful she was. Her dress was pure white and strapless with small, crystal beading on the torso and pickups in the skirt. Her long hair was pulled into a French twist and complimented her make-up. Annie looked at the necklace around her neck. It only had a small diamond, but it belonged to Belle. Arkham wouldn't let her come to the wedding so Belle gave her the necklace so that a part of her could be there. Katie entered the reflection and put her arms around Annie's shoulders. "You look beautiful."

"Thanks," Annie whispered. "I can't believe I'm doing this. After my parents, I didn't think I'd get married."

"You deserve to be happy. Both of you," said Katie. A knock on the door made the girls part as Alfred came in.

"Are you ready, Annie?" Alfred asked.

"Yeah, I'm ready," said Annie.

Katie and the other two bridesmaids (from Annie's work) grabbed their bouquets and filed out of the room. Bruce and Annie had chosen to get married at Wayne Manor. It was going to be a small wedding. Among the guests were Jim Gordon, Mama McClain, and a few others. Katie and the girls headed down the aisle as the music began. It was a beautiful room decorated in white carnations. The guests were sitting in white chairs that Bruce rented from a company. However, Annie couldn't focus on anything except for Bruce. He was handsome in his black tux with his hair sleeked back.

"Ready?" Alfred whispered in her ear.

Annie hooked her arm through his and grinned, "Ready."

They walked down the aisle while Bruce smiled at Annie and made her feel more beautiful. When Alfred and Annie reached the end, the minister asked who gave Annie to Bruce and Alfred answered him. Katie held Annie's bouquet so that Annie could hold Bruce's hands in her own.

The minister stepped forward and began the ceremony. He went on about how Bruce and Annie were a good match and all the other stuff they say. Annie tuned him out as she thought about how her family should've been there. Lorraine, Belle, and Harley. It should've been different. Harley should've been maid of honor. Belle should have walked her down the aisle. Lorraine should have been watching. But maybe things were better this way. If it wasn't for all the complications, Annie wouldn't have met Bruce or Alfred or Katie. They had become her family and she loved them more than anything. Despite all the hardships, Annie wouldn't have traded them for the world. It had suddenly become time for the vows and Annie began paying attention again.

Bruce repeated after the minister, "I Bruce, take you Annette, to be my wedded wife. To have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness or in health, to love and to cherish 'till death do us part. And hereto I pledge you my faithfulness." Bruce put the wedding band on her finger and wiped away the lone tear that had escaped her eye.

It was Annie's turn, "I Annette, take you Bruce to be my wedded husband. To have and to hold, from this day forward, for better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness or in health, to love and to cherish 'till death do us part. And hereto I pledge you my faithfulness." Annie put the ring on his finger and smiled.

"With the power invested in me, I now pronounce you two husband and bride. Bruce, you may kiss the bride," said the minister.

Bruce didn't need to be told twice. He pulled Annie forward and kissed her for all he was worth as everyone clapped and cheered for the two. The guests transferred to the reception and enjoyed the party. Bruce and Annie were barely apart the whole time. Finally it was time for the honeymoon and Bruce and Annie were spending it at a small bed and breakfast in Maine. As they walked into it for the wedding night, Annie stopped them from going in. Bruce looked at her curiously.

"You make me happy. I hope you know that," said Annie.

"I know."

"How?"

Bruce kissed her forehead, "Because I've never seen you smile as much as you have today." They walked into the room and spent the night in pleasure.

Bruce and Annie had two kids over the years—a boy named Thomas Alfred Wayne and a girl named Martha Belle Wayne. Bruce eventually retired from being Batman and Thomas took over (much to his mother's displeasure). Annie built her own architectural firm that expanded to a few states. They spent their days happily with their children and Alfred. Alfred eventually passed into the other world and Bruce and Annie were grateful for all their time with him. Time wore on and Katie got married again and had kids.

Annie didn't reconnect with Lorraine or Harley again. Lorraine died from old age and her "company" disbanded. Harley was shot in a standoff with the police. Annie went to and planned both funerals. Belle also passed on, but quietly in her sleep.

Mr. and Mrs. Wayne still live in Wayne Manor with their children and grandchildren. Every day they make new memories and couldn't be happier. Whenever anyone sees them, they always have a smile.

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A/N: Tis the end, my dear friends. I hope you enjoyed it. If you want to see Annie's wedding dress, I'm posting a link on my account page. Please review!